Professional Development

Professional development involves not only improving job skills for participants, but also prepares participants for a future in early care and education. Through professional development programs, early care and education professionals are able to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to provide quality child care in Kentucky.

The Division of Child Care is currently involved in the following professional development programs; credentialing, grants, non-college scholarships and awards, and training registration.

• The Commonwealth Child Care Credential (CCCC) is awarded as an initial credential to early care and education professionals who successfully complete 60 hours of approved instruction.
• The Kentucky Early Care and Education Trainer’s Credential is awarded to individuals providing training hours to early care and education professionals.
• The Director’s Credential is awarded to individuals who successfully complete 12 credit hours of instruction through one of the seven accredited institutions of higher learning offering the Director’s Credential Program.
• The CDA (Child Development Associate) Grant, the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation Grant, the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) Accreditation Grant and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Grant are available to eligible applicants.
• The Commonwealth Child Care Credential/Child Development Associate Credential Non-College Scholarship Program provides scholarships and monetary awards, to the extent funds are available to eligible scholars seeking the CCCC or CDA Credential.
• Conferences, seminars, and institutes using individuals not holding a current Early Care and Education Trainer’s Credential must be registered through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.